The new HSV E2 appears to have leaked on the internet, but sources suggest the pictures are not of the final design of the high performance Commodore-based car.

HSV E-Series 2 ? or is it?

In an embarrassing leak for performance car brand HSV pictures of the soon-to-be-unveiled E-Series 2 � or E2 as it�s being called - have raced around the internet.

There�s only one catch � the pictures of the updated HSV are not believed to be of the final car that will be officially unveiled in September.

Sources have told Drive that the leaked images are not of the final design for the HSV E2.

While elements of the design are right, it's understood the leaked photos � published on enthusiast website pavle.com.au - are design mock-ups that were used during the development of the most unique HSV to date.

Indeed the noses of the two cars � one is a red wagon and the other a silver sedan � are noticeably different, suggesting HSV was evaluating different looks and undergoing internal clinics as to which would best suit the important new model.

HSV spokesman Simon Frost hinted the pictures were not of the finished HSV E2.

"Pictures and commentary purporting to show the final design and specification of HSV's E-Series 2 should be treated with caution," he said.

However, the Pontiac G8-style bonnet is believed to be one element the new HSV E-Series 2 will adopt when it goes on sale in September.

Following on from the success of the VE Commodore-based HSV E-Series, HSV is believed to be further differentiating the look of its cars from the regular Holden products.

Unique tail lights will remain, while more radical bumpers and the vented bonnet will further differentiate the cars.

HSV is believed to be investigating how the photos � which were generated by HSV � were leaked.

Mr Frost refused to speculate on how the photos were leaked.

The updated HSV E-Series 2 is also expected to get more power from its 6.2-litre V8 (codenamed LS3).

The tweaked V8 is expected to get 325kW of power, up from the outgoing car�s 317kW.

HSV is also expected to announce significant fuel economy savings for its new range.